Z-20 utility/transport, naval helicopter & Z-21 heavy attack helicopter - News and Discussions

[Michael]

 

[Deino]

New images ...

 

[Shui]

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[Deino]

A white Z-21 again

 

[Shui]

@Deino Should we change the thread title to something like Chinese helicopter news& discussions

 

[Shui]

Hub cap on top this time, probably different testbed.

 

[Michael]

 

[Deino]

As it seems (if legit) this is likely the clearest footage of the Z-21 heavy attack helicopter.

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And even more interesting, a not previously confirmed prototype #6236. However, the gun seems to be not installed.

 

[Deino]

Apparently we have the clearest image of China's new heavy attack helicopter, the Z-21 we have got so far.

However, besides some details that are now finally clearly recognisable, such as sensors, cockpit, rotor, and the engine nacelles including exhausts, some details also appear strange – perhaps again due to post-processing with AI – like weapon pods under the fuselage for what seem to be auxiliary fuel tanks, the again or still missing gun and it has no prototype number anymore but for the first time carries the PLA symbol.

(Via @太湖军I名)

 

[Deino]

As it seems a new image of a Z-21 heavy attack helicopter still in white primer.
And apparently again it carries what appears to be two external fuel tanks on the ventral hard points.

(Via Dan The Man/@tong96083420 on X)

 

[Beijingwalker]

China's Z-20 Divine Eagle — The SHOCKING Truth Behind the "Black Hawk Copy"

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Apr 14, 2026

Discover the complex engineering and strategic history behind China's Z-20 Divine Eagle helicopter. Originally dismissed as a lazy copy of the American UH-60 Black Hawk, the Z-20 features a massive technological leap, including a specialized five-blade main rotor, indigenous WZ-10 turboshaft engines, and full fly-by-wire flight controls.

This video explores how the Chinese military overcame extreme high-altitude limitations and harsh maritime environments to build a highly versatile aircraft.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

China's Z-20 Divine Eagle — The SHOCKING Truth Behind the "Black Hawk Copy"

The thing is the civilian CH-60 didn't have the special military rotor blades

 

[FHN]

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[Fatman17]

 

[Beijingwalker]

China, Russia Push Forward Joint Heavy-Lift Helicopter Project​

June 8, 2026

People's Liberation Army Navy Changhe Z-18 medium-lift transport helicopter. Image: Creative Commons/Wikipedia


Russia and China have advanced a long-planned joint project to develop a next-generation heavy-lift helicopter capable of operating in high-altitude regions such as the Tibetan Plateau.

First proposed in 2019, the project is undergoing a state audit in China and is moving toward joint production, Russian state-owned TASS reported, citing Director of International Cooperation at Rostec, Viktor Kladov.

“We’ve completed all the design and development work. We’re waiting for the project to pass a government audit in China, after which we’ll move on to production,” Kladov was quoted as saying.

Advanced Heavy Lift ​

Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) is leading the design of the Advanced Heavy Lift (AHL) helicopter program, which is being developed specifically for the Chinese market.

According to Kladov, the Russian side is responsible for technologies that China has not yet mastered, including the gearbox and other key helicopter components, assemblies, and systems.

The AHL is expected to have a payload capacity of 14 to 16 tons, placing it between the 10–12-ton payload capacity of the Russian Mi-171 and the 20-ton capacity of the Mi-26.

AVIC’s Changhe Z-18 currently has the highest maximum takeoff weight of any Chinese military helicopter, at 13,800 kilograms (30,360 pounds).

To Enhance Operational Readiness​

The AHL is intended to significantly enhance China’s ability to transport troops and equipment in high-altitude regions such as Tibet, where thin air reduces the lift, payload, and engine performance of conventional helicopters.

Its heavy-lift capability would also improve logistical support and infrastructure development across remote western regions characterized by challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions.

Additionally, the AHL could strengthen China’s ability to rapidly deploy personnel, vehicles, and supplies during a potential Taiwan contingency.

China has reportedly invested $2 billion in the project and is expected to acquire approximately 200 AHL helicopters, with total procurement costs estimated at $20 billion.

“The cooperative development project, on the one hand, can solve Russia’s fund shortage, and on the other hand, will fill in China’s technological blank in heavy lift helicopter development and help the country learn and grasp advanced technologies concerning heavy lift helicopters as soon as possible,” China Military Online quoted an expert on Russian studies at China University of Political Science and Law, Wang Xiaowei, as saying.

“This is a significant win-win deal.”